Advanced Open Water Diver

You’ve got your Open Water Diver and want to see more, dive deeper and feel more confident in the water? Then the Advanced Open Water Diver (with SDI: Advanced Adventure Diver) is exactly your next step. At DeepDiveMexico in Playa del Carmen, we train you to PADI– or SDI-standard – entirely to your preference, in small groups with dives put together just for you. Book your AOWD course and see all dive-site combinations here.

On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about cost, course structure, depth and requirements.

Requirements for the Advanced Open Water Diver

All you need is your Open Water Diver (or SDI Open Water Scuba Diver) – there’s practically no minimum age, and teenagers from 12 can already take the Junior AOWD. Extra dives aren’t mandatory, though a little practice never hurts.

How Your Advanced Open Water Diver Course Works

The course takes us at least 3 days, and it can easily be spread over several days for a more relaxed pace. Beforehand, you complete the e-learning for your chosen organization – ideally from home, so you can get straight into the water once you’re in Playa del Carmen.

In total you complete five adventure dives. Navigation dive and deep diving are mandatory, and we’ll put the remaining three together with you from the following specialties: Nitrox, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Fish ID, Naturalist, Project Aware, Boat Diving, as well as – for a surcharge – Wreck Diving, Night Diving or Cavern Diver.

How Deep Can You Dive With the AOWD?

With the AOWD you’re certified to dive up to 30 meters (98 ft) anywhere in the world – so the depth limit of your Open Water Diver (18 meters (59 ft)) no longer applies. Here in Playa del Carmen, the certification also opens the door to our bull shark dive, for which the AOWD is the minimum requirement.

What Does the AOWD Cost at DeepDiveMexico?

You can flexibly combine the dives for your AOWD with us:

• 355 Euro – 6 dives in Playa del Carmen
• 420 Euro – 4 dives in Playa del Carmen + 2 dives in the cenotes
• 485 Euro – 4 dives in the cenotes + 2 dives in Playa del Carmen
• 485 Euro – 2 dives in the cenotes + 2 in Playa del Carmen + 2 in Cozumel

Water and fruit, the theory lessons, certification, and rental equipment are all included. Not included are meals and the course materials (PADI e-learning approx. 228 Euro, SDI e-learning approx. 100 Euro). You can find our current, binding price list on our price page.

Here’s What You Can Experience After the AOWD

With the AOWD in your pocket, many doors open up with us: the bull shark dive during the season from November to February, deeper sections of our reefs, and some of our cenotes that aren’t yet suitable for beginners. And of course, it’s also the ideal next step if you’d like to become a Rescue Diver or even a Divemaster later on.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Advanced Open Water Diver

What’s the difference between the PADI Advanced Open Water and the SDI Advanced Adventure Diver?

Practically none in terms of content – both consist of five adventure dives and extend your depth limit to 30 meters (98 ft). Find out more in our guide PADI or SDI?

How long does the Advanced Open Water Diver take?

At least 3 days if you’ve already completed the e-learning at home beforehand. You can also spread the course out over several days at a more relaxed pace.

Do I need prior experience for the AOWD?

No, your Open Water Diver certification is enough. Additional dives are not a requirement.

How deep can I dive after the Advanced Open Water Diver?

Up to 30 meters (98 ft). This also meets the minimum requirement for our bull shark dive.

What does the Advanced Open Water Diver cost at DeepDiveMexico?

Between 355 and 485 Euro, depending on the combination of dives you choose, excluding course materials. Details can be found above or on our price list.

Can I choose between PADI and SDI?

Yes, our instructor team trains you to both standards – you decide what suits you best.

Do you still have questions about the AOWD? Contact us – we’re happy to advise you and put together the right dives for you.